Saturday, January 23, 2010

Trompe l'oeil on a rug - Atlanta's biggest urn

The biggest urn in Atlanta is the colossal Helena Hernmarck tapestry "Urn" in the lobby of One Ninety One Peachtree Tower, aka 191 Peachtree.
P1000383-2009-01-22-191-Ptree-Urn-Rug--Longshot-Lobby-Reflections

Attention designers, it's just a block from AmericasMart.

"...interior detailing that adds to its hallmark status, such as the six unique types of marble from around the world adorning the building’s lobby and elevator cabs, and the massive 'Urn' tapestry by Helena Hernmarck that welcomes visitors to the seven-story atrium." (description from here)
P1000380-2009-01-22-191-Ptree-Urn-Rug--Medshot-Lobby-Macy-Reflections-Detail

I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside.
P1000382-2009-01-22-191-Ptree-Urn-Rug

The urn looks hyper real from a distance, too realistic to be real. It's like a rendering that reveals more than a photograph. As I move closer, my brain still can't grasp it: Is it a painting? Moving closer, my eye picks up the nubby pile carpet effect.
P1000382-2009-01-22-191-Ptree-Urn-Rug-Detail

My sidewalk pictures catch reflections of the Davison's /Macy's Building across the street: The arches, scrolls, cornices and brickwork of 180 Peachtree. What do you know, it's by Philip Shutze of Hentz, Adler and Shutze, Architects.
P1000381-2009-01-22-191-Ptree-Urn-Rug--Medshot-Lobby-Macy-Reflections-Wider-Detail

I'm afraid that this block of Peachtree Street isn't a destination for Atlantans any more. This is an example of stunning lobby art that's public but rarely seen.

This is the building, the tall one by Johnson/Burgee Architects.
P3112413-191-Peachtree-Greek-Garage-and-Skyscraper

Make sure you see Ray King's colossal light sculpture "Atlantis." Just ride the escalator down

Find out more about Atlanta's downtown buildings old and new.

Thanks,
Terry
terry @ surf303.com

11 comments:

  1. My husband did a lot of work in the 191 Club years ago, and I haven't been in the lobby in so long time. Thank you for this reminder of how lovely it is! One of my favorite memories is watching a 4th of July parade from high above in the club. We had the place all to ourselves, and it was great, nice and cool, and no crowds!

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  2. Hi Terry! I love following your tour of Atlanta. I just passed a blog award on to you!
    www.realestatestyle.blogspot.com
    seeya! Sarah

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  3. I think the 2nd biggest urn in Atlanta is on Elton John's guesthouse.

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  4. That is cool. It reminds me of the paintings we saw at the Besharat gallery.

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  5. Hey Terry! I guess I did not read Sarah's post very carefully, because I passed that award on to you as well! Cool post by the way :)

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  6. This is an amazing tapestry, the detail in the photograph is fantastic, I'll try to get to see it up close. I wonder where the largest functional urn in Atlanta is? Does Elton John have it or is it in a museum like the Carlos?

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  7. AH! You know I love Shutze. Great tapestry- can't believe you weren't able to take pictures inside? Nonetheless, you captured it well!

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  8. this is one of Atlanta's most pride architectures and it's beautiful.

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  9. These are pretty interesting architecture, I like it. Thanks for the links and information.

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  10. Thanks for the downtown link--I'm trying to find architecture tours in Atlanta to take my 6-year-old son. Can you suggest any great churches to visit?

    Great blog!

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  11. Even though you couldn't go in, I actually like the pictures through the windows. It gives it this extra artistic factor. The architecture really is absolutely beautiful.

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